Length: 4.68 km (2.9 miles) - Ascent: 53m (175ft)
Terrain: Sections of pavement, well-made tracks, footpaths.
Map: Explorer269
Address: Church Lane, Selston, NG16 6FB.

I couldn’t make up my mind where to feature this quarter, until a thought came to me that rounding a winter walk off at the Horse and Jockey in Selston comes with the promise of a pint sat next to an open fire, making it the ideal season to head out that way.

I started my walk at the pub before heading across fields towards Pinxton. I crossed the railway line, knowing how unlikely it was that a train would come along, yet lingered for a few minutes, thinking that it would make for a better photo if I got lucky enough. The few hundred meters more of footpath and another railway crossing brought me to the tranquillity of Pinxton Wharf. Either way around the lake will bring you to the same point at the top of the Pinxton arm of the Cromford Canal, which prettily sits alongside The Boat Inn, making for a tempting place to stop for a quick half, especially if the weather is kind. I then followed tracks and footpaths which turned back towards Selston, eventually alighting on Church Lane, close to St. Helen’s. From here, it’s a simple walk along the road back to the Horse and Jockey.

Discerning drinkers won’t need any introduction to the Horse and Jockey, having featured in many editions of the Good Beer Guide over the years. Ales here are very well kept, with a choice of three guests alongside Greene King Abbot. You might be lucky enough to catch Titanic Plum Porter Grand Reserve or Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby, both of which I consider ideal winter warmers.

I chose a stout on my visit and found a comfy seat close to one of those welcoming fires I had anticipated before my walk. The Horse and Jockey dates back to 1664 and is full of character and charm. Low timber beams, flagstone floors, and wooden settles feature throughout. The Good Beer Guide states that the pub is reputedly haunted, and it wouldn’t be hard to imagine a ghost or two roaming around the building.

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Route

From the Horse & Jockey (S), head southwest along Church Lane for approx. 250m before turning right onto Hobsic Lane (1). After 250m, follow the road round to the left, proceeding another 250m towards the farm buildings (2). Just before the entrance to the farm, take the track to the right, which skirts the outside of the farm, before continuing on the footpath across the fields towards Pinxton. At the end of the field, continue along the tree-lined path before arriving at a railway line (3). Cross over and follow the path for another 30m before turning left (4) and following the path until you arrive at Alexander Terrace (5). Turn left and cross the level crossing before turning immediately right into Pinxton Wharf (6). Follow the path on the north side of the lake, crossing the bridge, then turn right, keeping the canal to your right (7). Passing the Boat Inn on your left, keep to the track for 250m, then go through the squeezer before taking the track straight ahead and continuing for another 270m. At the junction of paths (8), turn left and head south for 230m before veering left and heading towards the gate (9). Continue through the field for 400m, heading southeast along the footpath, aiming for the gap in the hedge opposite (10). Follow the path across the next field for 50m, then the following field for 150m, keeping the boundary to your right. At the corner of the field (11), turn left and continue for 200m, again keeping the boundary on your right. Go through the hedge into the next field (12), then into another field, before heading up the hill towards the houses. Follow the footpath between the houses, which ends at Church Lane (13), where you can turn left and follow the road all the way back to the Horse and Jockey (S).